AT & T tunes in TV on Xbox 360, launches Windows mobile app

AT&T has cemented a deal with Microsoft that allows its U-verse subscribers to use their Xbox 360 gaming consoles as receivers for live TV shows.

AT&T said it’s the first video provider in the nation to offer the live TV service through an Xbox 360. Gamers have long been connecting with each other in chat rooms, as well as surfing the Internet, through their game consoles, but AT&T’s deal with Microsoft also lets U-verse customers receive chat and game invitations through Xbox Live while watching TV.

AT&T said users of the service could switch from game to TV mode without switching video inputs on their TV screens.

In addition to live TV, AT&T subscribers can use their Xboxes to manage and play back DVR recordings and access interactive apps, as well as access a program guide and the on-demand library. U-verse TV on Xbox 360 also allows customers to avoid an extra box on their entertainment center and the need to pay a monthly rental fee for an additional receiver.

New customers need to order a $99 Xbox kit when they subscribe to U-verse, after which a U-verse technician will load U-verse software on their Xbox 360 during their service installation.

AT&T also announced the upcoming launch of U-verse Mobile for Windows Phone 7 devices. Beginning next month, AT&T’s U-verse Mobile app will be preloaded so that any AT&T wireless customer with a Windows Phone 7 device — whether or not they are a U-verse TV customer or not — can download and watch TV shows. AT&T said it will be the first time an AT&T U-verse service will be available nationwide.

For all AT&T U-verse TV customers, U-verse Mobile lets them manage DVR recordings, while customers with paid TV plans can get the download and watch capability included at no extra charge.

AT&T Windows Phone 7 users without a qualifying U-verse TV plan will be able to subscribe to download and watch with U-verse Mobile for $9.99 per month.